10 retired, active execs to face POGO, EJK raps

The quad committee of the House of Representatives will recommend charges against 10 retired and active government officials for their alleged involvement in Philippine offshore and gaming operators POGOs), extrajudicial killings EJKs) and illegal drugs, quad comm chairman Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said yesterday.

- By JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

He explained that the recommendation to file charges against the former and active government officials will be part of the committee's "progress report" that panel members are scheduled to approve in tomorrow's hearing.

The quad comm is coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Office of the Ombudsman regarding its recommendations.

"This will be included in the initial report of the quad comm. We have to finalize our recommendation on Thursday and present it before the plenary for the approval of the entire members of the House of Representatives," Barbers said.

He earlier said they are bound to wrap up their investigation into the illegal operations of POGOS.

The progress report will enable concerned government agencies to conduct further investigation on whether the pieces of evidence gathered during the panel's probe will merit the filing of charges.

"We will still conduct an investigation on the EJKs and drugs," Barbers said.

The quad comm is eyeing 15 to 20 pieces of remedial legislation for filing once its progress report is finalized on Thursday.

"We want these pieces of legislation to be part of the legislative agenda of our President. We hope that it will be certified as urgent by the President so that our counterpart in the Senate will also act," Barbers explained.

He added that the progress report intends to "dispose" of the investigations on POGOs, EJKs and drugs so they can tackle other pressing issues in the quad comm.